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My parents don't listen to me, what should I do?

223 Answers
Last Updated: 06/18/2022 at 10:51pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
Moderated by

Lianne Kirby, MA in Counselling Psychology

Counselor

I believe everyone should have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I use a trauma informed, person centred approach in counselling.

Top Rated Answers
charmingHeart92
November 23rd, 2015 12:56pm
Try to make them know that you are the capable one. Soon, they will start listening to you. They must know that you are telling anything only for good purpose, which automatically convinces them. Anyone cannot make a person to listen to her/him forcefully. so, you have to gain it.
LiamPayneLovr
February 24th, 2018 2:58pm
Talk to them about how you feel. It's possible that they don't even know that you feel that way and they will be happy to fix it.
Anonymous
March 8th, 2018 6:30am
Build up a logical argument to get what you want. If that doesn't work think to yourself why are my parents not listening to me? Do I have to prove myself in some way to get their respect so they will listen?
SunnyGab
April 11th, 2018 10:29pm
Sit down with your parents and have a rational disccusion about how you want to be treated as a human being and that they should listen to some of the things you have in mind.
Kallie112358
April 14th, 2018 5:37pm
Approach them in a calm and logical manner (it might help to communicate via writing such as email or text) try to leave emotion out of the conversation and give them as many opportunities to get involved in the conversation as you can. Most people love to be asked for help or for their opinion so try starting it that way. Or if it is something sensitive try framing it as you are trying to help a friend and what advice should you give them.
AthenaPanda
April 20th, 2018 8:07pm
You should find a way to make them listen. Nothing bad. Or if need be tell your school to call and talk with them.
Happyjustlikethefutureyou
April 26th, 2018 7:20am
You should try and make them understand how important it is for you and sometimes also listen to them as they will always love you. They will always be there for you so give them some time and everything will be alright.
CharlieSharkie
May 11th, 2018 8:44pm
Try to put whatever points you have forward in a straightforward and mature manner: This can encourage them to see at eye level with you, and to hear you out
AmazonGirl
June 1st, 2018 3:07am
I understand how frustrating it is when our parents do not see eye to eye. One good rule of thumb you should accept is that they do not "have to" listen to you. Have you considered approaching them from a different perspective? Maybe a conversation where all parties can truly participate?
serendipity2000
December 17th, 2016 5:54am
In most cases, parents do want to have a healthy relationship with their children. To get your parents to listen to you, you first need to listen to them. Try to understand what they are saying. For example, if you ask for something eg. to go somewhere, or to get something. and they say no immediately without considering your point of view. You have to remain calm and assertive and ask them something along the lines of "why is it so important that I cannot go here/get this" Then try to actively listen to their response and understand it. Then they will be much more likely to listen to your point of view. The key is for you to remain calm, assertive and focused on finding a solution no matter how your riled up or annoyed your parents appear to get.
Ana4hear
June 9th, 2018 2:38pm
Every relationship has some give and takes. In parent child relation also it is two way relation. If you want your parents to listen to you, start listening to them. It’s like a ping pong ball, the ball will bounce back with the same energy you have put in.
Anonymous
June 14th, 2018 8:11pm
Parents can be quite tricky. Just remember they are human too and sometimes they don't want to listen either! Having a chat to them about how you feel can clear up a few things and then they should start listening to you more.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2016 9:55am
Understand what they are not listening to you about. Parents generally want what's best for us, so you should understand their opinions and know where they're coming from.
Anonymous
May 25th, 2016 12:13am
Use the technique called the "Broken Record Technique" you keep repeating yourself over and over until they get the hint
colorfulParadise22
April 13th, 2016 4:02pm
If your parents don't listen to you, try listen to them. Think before you answer or say anything to them. Or you could sit down with them and explain how you feel
miraculousHeart62
April 14th, 2016 2:44pm
Try talking to them about how you are feeling when they ignore you and talk to them about the things you could do to improve your relationship.
wonderfulRainbow51
May 19th, 2016 7:56am
Parents will always be hard on but it is called tough love, they are your parents and love you very much
Anonymous
May 5th, 2016 12:42am
Try writing them a note. Or keep talking to them until they listen. Parents sometimes dont know how to listen to their kids. Just try and make a nice approach
thoughtfulRose62
May 8th, 2016 6:00am
Approach with confidence. No matter how old you are, parents will see you as their child. Show them you are more than just their child, because just like they just see you as their child, you just see them as your parents. If the problem is more your parents ignore you, try talking to a friend or other family member about it, and even ask them to help back you up if you need it. Make sure to stay strong and positive :).
enchantingRose58
August 17th, 2017 9:03pm
Keep trying in a calm and sensible manner, do not lose your temper and try again if they don't listen the first or second time until you are heard but stay calm
CaringRainfall93
July 1st, 2017 8:38am
I know sometimes things can be hard but, you have to push through as strongly as you can. You should talk to your parents about this and tell them how you feel it will give you a more open relationship. Sometimes parents don't realize what damage they could potentially be causing their kids.0
glisteningWriting22
July 13th, 2017 8:02am
I think you should really tell them how you feel, maybe sit them down and talk! If that doesn't work ask them for a therapist or try talking to someone you know would listen to you.
VeinsofEden
July 13th, 2017 5:37am
Sit them down and open up. It's the best way a child can do, break their wall down and show their vulnerability to their parents so they can see a side of you so emotional. It won't be so easy, but baby steps will get you through it!
jodiejasmine
July 6th, 2017 5:11pm
Parents not listening can be very frustrating and stressful. Try to explain yourself politely and clearly.
sierralocket
July 2nd, 2017 2:56am
In my experience, you should write them a letter. A respectful, calm (but serious) toned letter. It should thoroughly explain what you are feeling and why you have frustration with them, but also be concise and respectful enough for your parents to respond to it in a rational, reasonable fashion. When you speak, it's very easy to get animated and upset. But when the words are on paper your parents have no choice but to listen to all you have to say before they can respond. Make sure you end it on a positive, loving note, too. Remind them you still love them despite the problems that are occurring.
Hrupkost
April 9th, 2017 1:47pm
You should try to assert yourself, try to explain the situation and don't back off from conflict. Be respectful, but firm. They want the best for you, but sometimes they are going to need a bit of help to figure it out.
Cutetortoise02
April 28th, 2017 8:49am
Confront them and explain how you feel about them and there not seeming to listen. Figure out what is on your mind tell them and listen to their response also see if there is something on their mind as well.
MarkoKovacevic
June 16th, 2017 12:35pm
It looks like you are currently facing some family problems. I think you should sit down with your parents and try to talk them in a polite way. That can help you solve every secret problems they may be hiding from you.
crispNight40
May 12th, 2017 4:41am
I felt for a long time that my parents didn't listen to me. It took most of my childhood for me to learn to talk to my parents like actual people, and as with most other circumstances in life, the best way to be understood is to first be understanding. Parents are worried sick about their children for most of their lives, and while some parents are better than others at managing this worry, that is the place that most of any perceived unfairness comes from. When I learned to listen to my parents (not to obey, necessarily, but just to listen,) I started to realize that they really did love me, and while they may get tired or frustrated or simply misunderstand me at times, almost everything they did came from a place of love. If you are patient and open with your parents, even when it seems like they are not listening to you or respecting you, slowly they will begin to treat you like the adult you are becoming. In a lot of ways, that's what becoming an adult is, I think.
ScottishLadyListener
April 19th, 2017 5:34pm
Sometimes it can feel like your parents are not listening when you have problems. It is always best to talk very honestly and let your mum or dad know that you feel this way as its very often the case they do not know how it is affecting you.